As the COVID-19 pandemic throws new situations at the kids entertainment industry every day, managing mental health and wellbeing can be extremely challenging. Kidscreen‘s COVID-19 Mental Health Guide is aimed at providing support and resources during this time of crisis.
At this time, the Guide doesn’t include specific resources for unionized members of the industry. If you are a member of a professional union, check with your health benefits plans to see if they have additional coverage or support.
North America
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
NIMH, the lead federal agency for research on mental disorders, is a part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the largest biomedical research agency in the world. Apart from offering information on a range of mental health topics, NIMH also provides education and awareness, and a comprehensive list of resources for people in need of immediate or emergent help.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
NAMI is the United States’ largest grassroots mental health organization, with more than 500 local affiliates. It has released the NAMI COVID-19 Resource and Information Guide which answers some frequently asked questions related to mental health in the face of COVID-19—specifically for people affected by mental illness. The toll free NAMI Helpline provides free information and support.
A leading community-based non-profit, MHA offers a range of programs and initiatives to promote mental health. These include resources such as screening tools, sources for seeking mental health, information on treatment options and workplace wellness. To provide support as the number of COVID-19 cases rise, MHA has compiled a range of resources and information.
Anxiety and Depression Association of America (AADA)
AADA has made available a range of tools and resources specific to managing COVID-19 related anxiety. Other help resources include screening tools and information on low cost treatment, support groups and mental health apps. ADAA is an international non-profit organization dedicated to the prevention, treatment, and cure of anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD, and co-occurring disorders through education, practice, and research.
Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC)
The National Standard of Canada for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace (the Standard), an initiative by MHCC, provides tools and resources to organizations for promoting mental health at work. MHCC has also released a guide on steps critical to managing our own mental well being. Funded by Health Canada, MHCC leads the development and dissemination of innovative programs and tools to support the mental health and wellness of Canadians.
NABS is a charity offering resources to professionals in the media, marketing and communications industry in Canada. To promote wellness and mental well being during COVID-19 pandemic, NABS supportline provides access to professional counselling services to anyone from the industry and their families
Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA)
The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) is the most extensive community mental health organization in Canada. Peer Support Canada, an initiative by CMHA connects people with others who have lived through a similar experience to provide emotional and practical support.
The British Columbia film and TV industry-led consortium offers a great list of resources for members of varying local unions (such as the Director’s Guild of Canada, IATSE local 891 and UBCP/ACTRA) seeking mental health support.
UK & Europe
A non-profit supporting the UK film, TV and cinema industry, The Film and TV Charity supports everyone involved from research to writing, through casting and production, to editing, sales, distribution and exhibition. It has released tips for mental well being, tailored to the needs of the industry specifically during COVID-19 pandemic. The Film and TV support line and live chat service provide 24/7 support for those in need.
To provide support to people in this trying situation, Anxiety UK is providing resources such as online support groups, webinars on managing COVID-19 related anxiety and one-on-one therapy support. It has also extended its helpline hours in order to be accessible to the people who need help. Anxiety UK is a user-led organisation, run by people with experience of living with anxiety, stress or anxiety-based depression.
To promote workplace well being and provide mental health resources to businesses and employees, Mental Health at Work has released a Coronavirus toolkit. This toolkit includes resources aimed at improving general wellbeing and a guide for businesses for setting up remote workforce and wellness action plans, among others. Mental Health at Work is curated by Mind, the mental health charity, and funded by The Royal Foundation as part of its Heads Together campaign.
European Network for Workplace Health Promotion (ENWHP)
Recognizing the need to promote mental health at the workplace, ENWHP provides resources for both employers and employees to achieve the same. It has a guide for employers on what they can do to promote mental health, prevent stress and create a mentally healthy workplace. It also offers resources to employees on ways to manage stress and support colleagues with mental health problems.
MHA provides a list of resources on COVID-19 and mental health available in various European countries. It also lists the helplines and other online support options available for young people in these countries.
Asia-Pacific
Singapore Association for Mental Health (SAMH)
To extend support during COVID-19, SAMH provides toll free helpline for people seeking help related to mental health issues. It also provides counselling, outreach activities and rehabilitation among other services.
Australian Alliance for Wellness in Entertainment (AAWE)
AAWE, an initiative by leading organizations across Australia’s entertainment industry, is aimed at promoting mental health and well being in the sector. To support the members of the industry, Entertainment Assist, one of the founding members of AAWE, provides a list of crisis and mental health resources.
Middle East & Africa
Mental Health UAE provides information on a range of mental health issues. For those in crisis, they have compiled a comprehensive list of resources providing the required help. The website also includes recommendations on books, mobile apps, podcasts and TED talks that can help relieve anxiety and provide emotional support.
The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG)
To provide mental health support during COVID-19, SADAG is conducting daily Facebook Q&A sessions with experts. Additional COVID-19 support includes WhatsApp chat with counsellors, helplines providing free counselling and online toolkit consisting of various free resources. SADAG also provides information on helplines for mental health, anxiety, depression and suicide crisis.
South America
Centro de Valorização da Vida (CVV)
Brazil’s CVV provides free emotional support and suicide prevention services. These services are accessible by phone, online chat and email. The website also lists several other mental health resources available across the country.
While this isn’t a comprehensive list of resources, we plan on updating it regularly. You can write to us at mhaynes@brunico.com if you know of additional organizations where the industry can receive mental health help.
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